Be bold, and face problems before too late, says Zuraida of temple protests

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 27): Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin says the events that took place at the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in USJ 25 early this morning should serve as a lesson to authorities, to handle problems before things worsen.

Free Malaysia Today reports that Zuraida, speaking in a press conference at Parliament today, urged the relevant authorities to investigate the incidents at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in USJ 25, Putra Heights, and consult mediators to find solutions to the issue.

“It was held up for a long time, so long that the incident, which doesn’t reflect the image of Malaysians, took place.

“Let this be a lesson to everyone to be bold in facing problems and solving them before it is too late,” she was quoted as saying.

The crowd which had gathered to protest had seen some turn unruly, resulting in the assault of a member of the Fire and Rescue Department. Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, 24 who had reportedly been sitting in the front passenger seat of the Emergency Medical Rescue Squad van, when he was dragged from the vehicle and assaulted.

He had been taken to Subang Jaya Medical Centre, but Zuraida said he was not in critical condition.

“Based on the report from the department, he is currently receiving treatment. His condition is not critical, but he suffered multiple injuries,” she said.

The news portal quoted a spokesman from the Fire and Rescue Department who said he was believed to have suffered from broken ribs as well as several internal injuries.

Zuraida said that the public should show respect for uniformed civil servants who were carrying out their duty.

“I would like to remind everyone, in the spirit of the New Malaysia, that all organisations or associations whether private or public must adhere to the Federal Constitution and the law.

“You cannot do as you please,” she said.